Elon MBB’s Defense Stifles Delaware in 83-56 Win

ELON, N.C. – The Elon University men’s basketball team held Delaware to 21.7 percent (5-of-23) shooting to take a 20-point lead at halftime and the Phoenix didn’t look back cruising past the Blue Hens 83-56 on Thursday, Feb. 4, inside Alumni Gym.

Four players finished in double-figures for Elon (14-10, 5-6 CAA) as Brian Dawkins and Christian Hairston led the way with 12 points each. Tanner Samson and Dainan Swoope added to the scoring with 10 points apiece. Tyler Seibring had a team-high seven rebounds and Luke Eddy had six assists to lead the Phoenix.

Anthony Mosley led Delaware (5-17, 0-11 CAA) with a game-high 23 points and Devonne Pinkard added 17 points for the Blue Hens.

“We’re happy that we came out and defended as well as we did and I think that was really good for our team,” said head coach Matt Matheny. “We prepared well and we defended as well as we have defended. The second half at Northeastern was a really good half for us defensively, and the first half [tonight] in particular I thought we defended very well and when you defend like that, it gives you a chance to be successful.”

Highlights
In the opening 10:30 of the first half, Elon got out to an 18-6 lead following a layup by Hairston. For the rest of the half, the Phoenix locked down defensively and held Delaware to one field goal. Elon’s 13-2 run over the final minutes gave them a 31-11 lead at the half. The Blue Hens were 5-of-23 from the field and did not make a three-pointer.

Elon got off to a good start going on a 16-6 run to open the second half and taking a 47-17 lead with 15:22 remaining. The Phoenix pulled out to a 38-point lead at the 11:38 mark in the second half, its largest lead of the game after a Samson three-pointer gave Elon a 57-19 advantage. The maroon and gold cruised the rest of the way and earned the 83-56 victory.

Notes
– Four players set career-highs in points or assists. Brian Dawkins set a new career-high with 12 points, Sam Hershberger had six points, Patrick Ryan scored four points, and Ryder Bowline added two assists.
– Three Phoenix set career-highs in minutes played. Wes Brewer, Ryan and Bowline set career-highs in minutes, playing for three each. Brewer also had a 17-foot jumper late to seal Elon’s win.
– The victory for the Phoenix was the largest CAA victory in the program’s first two seasons in the league. It was the largest margin of victory in a conference game since defeating Furman 78-49 on Feb. 24, 2014, during Elon’s last season in the Southern Conference.
– Delaware’s 11 first-half points was the lowest the Phoenix have given up in a half this season.

Up Next
Elon hosts Towson on Saturday night inside Alumni Gym for a 6 p.m. tip. The game will be broadcasted on American Sports Network.